"What's curious?"
"Your meeting this way—as sculptor and model."
"Rita is a very fine girl," he said. "Would you mind handing me my pipe? No, don't. I forgot that Rita won't let me. You see my chest is rather uncomfortable."
He glanced at the clock, leaned over and gulped down some medicine, then placidly folding his hands, lay back:
"How's Kelly?"
"I haven't seen him to-day, John."
"Well, he ought to be here very soon. He can take you and Rita to dinner."
"I'm so sorry you can't come."
"So am I."
Valerie laid a cool hand on his face; he seemed slightly feverish. Rita came in at that moment, smiled at Valerie, and went straight to Burleson's couch: